DMV to Close Offices First, Third Fridays of each Month
Department encourages customers to schedule advance appointments, use online services
Published on Feb 5, 2009 - 6:57:19 AM

By: Department of Motor Vehicles

Sacramento Feb. 5, 2009 - All offices will be closed the first and third Fridays of each month beginning Friday, Feb. 6, the Department of Motor Vehicles announced today. The action is in connection with the Governor's Executive Order (S-16-08) that addresses the state's $42 billion deficit and ongoing fiscal crisis.

For the month of February, all DMV offices will be closed on Friday, Feb. 6, and Friday, Feb. 20. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays).

"The DMV wants to make sure our customers are not inconvenienced any more than is necessary," said DMV Director George Valverde. "We have a number of online and telephone options available, and if a visit to a field office is necessary, advanced planning can make the impact less stressful."

The Department offers a number of online services through its website (www.dmv.ca.gov) - including payments for vehicle registration and driver license renewals via secure debit transactions, filing a notice of release of liability, change of address, and scheduling appointments. Automated services are also available at 1-800-777-0133.

Director Valverde also noted that if a field office visit is necessary, come prepared. "Having all necessary paperwork and documents beforehand will help out and significantly lessen the impact. And, give the DMV the same level of priority as you would a doctor or dental appointment."

Motorists who have a registration renewal date that falls on a furlough day will have penalties waived until the next business day.

Customers can perform any one of the following transactions and functions on the DMV Web site:

* Schedule office appointments for up to three transactions or for three separate customers

* Renew driver license

* Renew vehicle registration

* Make a change of address

* Register to vote

* Purchase personalized plates

* File a notice of release of liability

* Check the license status of driver's education or traffic schools, new or used vehicle dealers

* File vehicle transfer forms

* Calculate fees and taxes due

* Request refunds

* Find the nearest DMV offices, hours of operation and wait times

* Make appointments for both car and motorcycle driving skill tests

* Study the Driver's Handbook, the Motorcycle Handbook, the Parent-Teen Training Guide

* Take interactive driver's license exams

* Answer the most frequently asked questions in extensive archives

DMV is a department under the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which is under the direction of Secretary Dale E. Bonner. The DMV licenses drivers; maintains driving records; registers and tracks official ownership of vehicles and vessels; investigates auto and identity-related fraud; and licenses car dealers, driving schools, and traffic violator schools.

DMV Customer ServiceCenters: 1-800-777-0133

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